European Commission to open aviation
negotiations with Ukraine

Today, the EU Council has mandated the European
Commission to open negotiations with Ukraine to develop a common aviation area.
The aim is to further deepen aviation relations with Ukraine following the
signature of similar agreements with the Western Balkan countries and Morocco.
Vice-President Jacques Barrot, in charge of transport, said: “By sharing
the benefits of the single aviation market, both Ukraine and the EU will improve
their relationship and create huge benefits for aviation industries and
consumers. With such an agreement, we ensure high levels of safety and security
and facilitate trade and social links with a close
neighbour”.

The agreement would be an important step towards strengthening aviation
relations between EU and Ukraine. Both aviation markets are closely connected
and air traffic between them is growing. In 2005, 1.8 million passengers
travelled between the EU and Ukraine by air transport, 300% more than five years
ago. Ukraine has an important aviation industry and is a country with a high
potential for tourism. It is linked through bilateral air services agreements
with all 25 EU Member States.

The agreement should not only open the respective markets but also integrate
Ukraine into European aviation structures. Ukraine will harmonise its
legislation with European standards and implement a large part of the European
aviation acquis communautaire. The agreement will thus be a further
important step in the creation of a wider Common Aviation Area between the EU
and its neighbours by 2010.

Ukraine is considered a priority country in the European Neighbourhood
Policy. In February 2005, both sides endorsed a joint EU-Ukraine Action Plan to
support Ukraine’s objective to further integrate into European political
and economic structures. Increased cooperation in the field of civil aviation,
including on safety and security issues, is one of the concrete priorities
outlined in the Action Plan. Ukraine and the EU have recently expanded their
bilateral cooperation through the signature of a horizontal air services
agreement and an agreement on Ukraine’s participation in Europe’s
satellite radio-navigation programme GALILEO (IP/05/666).
More information on international agreements at